The UK’s largest independent parcel delivery network, APC, has announced a partnership with Parcelly, a UK logistics tech platform.
APC has entered into this partnership as part of its APC Choice service, which offers alternative delivery solutions when parcel recipients are unable to receive a package. The partnership will allow Parcelly to provide customers with pickup points across 1,250 locations in the UK.
Founded in 1994, APC has 100 independent, entrepreneurial delivery and collection specialists.
Streamline fulfillment process
Parcelly, which has been around for nearly 10 years, converts redundant spaces in local shops and private households into carrier and retailer-agnostic parcel storage. The company allows anyone, anywhere, and at any time to access, manage, and monetize on a redundant space – for items as small as keys or as large as a pallet. This is done through a mobile app.
The company enables consumers to have full control over their online orders and resolve the issue of failed deliveries. This also helps the supply chain to streamline fulfillment processes, speed up delivery cycles, facilitate reverse logistics, and improve customer experience.
APC’s chief executive, Jonathan Smith, says, “In a world where people have increasing flexibility around their working day and environment, we are striving to accommodate the evolving habits of consumers and the needs of our customers. Our new partnership with Parcelly will enable us to continue delivering exemplary service and offer enhanced delivery service options, ultimately providing more convenience and choice for consumers.”
Parcelly’s chief executive, Sebastian Steinhauser, says the partnership with APC will allow it to grow its pickup location network. “Working with The APC to offer this solution will provide choice, convenience, and control to consumers across the UK, while reducing the environmental and operational impact of failed deliveries, he says.”
Parcelly has offices in London, Hamburg, Frankfurt, and New York.
Flexibility and choice
In addition to the partnership with Parcelly, APC has launched another initiative called ‘Leave Safe’ that allows customers to manage their default preferences for leaving recipients’ shipments in a safe place, should they not be in to accept them. “The new Leave Safe option will give our customers control to manage their settings whilst giving recipients the flexibility and choice when their parcel is on its way to them,” says Smith.
In October, APC introduced two electric trucks into its fleet.
Also read: ShipStation and Yodel partner for last-mile deliveries in the UK
UK courier express market
Mordor Intelligence reports that the UK courier, express, and parcel (CEP) market is growing with the increasing number of same-day delivery transactions. “The United Kingdom, along with Italy, has been the fastest-growing market in the European region, owing to the powerful digital trends driving the market. The key market players are continuously reinventing the post and parcel industry with technology-driven innovations,” reads the report.
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About the author
Sharl is a qualified journalist. He has over 10 years’ experience in the media industry, including positions as an editor of a magazine and Business Editor of a daily newspaper. Sharl also has experience in logistics specifically operations, where he worked with global food aid organisations distributing food into Africa. Sharl enjoys writing business stories and human interest pieces.
